Page 85 of Compulsion

“I…I don’t know.” I’ve never asked where Dane’s practice is located.

A thought occurs to me. “Why don’t you just ask him?” I suggest. “I’m sure there’s a simple explanation. He should be at our building right now. He told me he was going to talk to Ron.”

Another beat of silence. “Okay, let me check.”

I hear Franklin’s door open and close, and then he’s knocking on Ron’s door across the hall.

He knocks again.

And again.

My heart is in my throat.

“No one’s here, Abby.”

That can’t be right. Dane’s been gone for almost an hour now. It’s less than a twenty-minute drive between our places, even with traffic. If he’s not with Ron, he should be back with me already.

“Okay.” My voice is a bit shrill. “Thanks for checking.”

“Are you all right? Something weird is going on.”

“Everything’s fine,” I assure him. “I’m fine. Listen, I’ll have to call you back. I need to get in touch with Dane.”

“Text me to let me know how it goes,” my friend requests.

“I will.”

I end the call, and my thumb hovers over Dane’s contact. I’m about to message him, but I hesitate.

Something is wrong. I sense it in my gut, and I can’t shake the slightly queasy feeling.

I take a breath and tell myself I’m being silly. Franklin is mistaken. There’s no way Dane lives in the house across the street from our building.

An image flashes through my mind: Dane’s living room the first time I ever came here. It was so clean. Sterile.

Like no one lived here.

It’s different now. There are coasters on the coffee table downstairs, and a few crumbs litter the counter, despite Dane’s fastidious nature.

Maybe I’m just messy, and I’ve made his house a little less tidy.

I’m being ridiculous. Dane will come back soon, and he’ll explain everything.

I decide to text him.

When do you think you’ll be back? How’s it going with Ron?

My phone pings seconds later with his reply.

Everything is fine. I’m sure Ron and I will come to an understanding. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Don’t worry, pet. I’ll handle this.

My heart sinks.

But he’s not with Ron. He’s not at my building. Franklin just checked.

Dane is lying to me.

I shake my head. This is getting out of control, and I’m on the verge of spiraling.

---